Material blank for a container support, bundle of multiple containers, and method for producing a bundle of multiple containers

ABSTRACT

A material blank for attaching to a container group formed of multiple assembled containers, in particular so as to form a bundle. The blank has a connection section with multiple container receiving openings for arranging on the containers of the container group. In order to provide for an inexpensive production of a stable bundle, the material blank has a first folding tab, which adjoins the connection section at a first edge of the connection section, and a second folding tab, which adjoins the connection section at a second edge of the connection section opposite the first edge. The first and second folding tabs are designed and connected to the connection section such that the two folding tabs can be pivoted relative to the connection section into a bundle position in which the folding tabs overlap at least in some sections and cover an upper face of the connection section.

The invention relates to a material blank for attaching to a container group, in particular an attachment so as to form a bundle, consisting of multiple assembled containers, with a connection section with multiple container receiving openings for arranging on the containers of the container group.

The invention further relates to a bundle and a method for producing a bundle of multiple containers, in particular beverage cans, and a container support, wherein the container support is formed from a material blank, which has multiple container receiving openings assigned to the containers.

Material blanks of the type referred to in the preamble for producing bundles of multiple containers are known in many embodiments from the prior art. For this purpose the material blanks are, as a rule, connected in a flat state, via container receiving openings to the material blanks, to containers, such as beverage cans, wherein the material blanks with their container receiving openings are assigned to the containers. As a result, the material blanks gather the containers together to form an easily-handled bundle, and therefore allow a consumer to lift and transport a plurality of containers easily.

As an alternative, the principle is further known, for forming bundles from multiple containers, of using plastic materials, for example in the form of a stable film packaging, into which the container group is knocked and then subjected to a shrinking process, as a result of which the plastic film is attached to the containers.

Known material blanks have the disadvantage that the containers produced by their use often exhibit only a limited stability, which renders transport by the consumer difficult.

The use of plastic packaging has the disadvantage that they are expensive and cause environmental problems, and therefore are increasingly being rejected for ecological reasons.

Against this background, the invention is based on the object of providing a material blank which allows for the inexpensive production of a stable bundle. The invention has the further object of providing a method for producing a bundle and providing a bundle which exhibits a high stability.

The invention solves the object by a material blank with the features of claim 1, a bundle with the features of claim 14, and a method with the features of claim 17. Preferred further embodiments of the material blank according to the invention are described in the dependent claims 2 to 13. Preferred embodiments of the bundle according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are described with reference to the bundle in the dependent claims 15 and 16, and with reference to the method in the dependent claims 18 and 19.

Characteristic of the material blank according to the invention is that it comprises a first folding tab, which adjoins the connection section at a first edge of the connection section, and a second folding tab, which adjoins the connection section at a second edge of the connection section opposite the first edge, wherein the first folding tab and the second folding tab are configured in such a way, and are connected to the connection section in such a way, that the two folding tabs can be pivoted relative to the connection section into a bundle position in which the folding tabs overlap one another at least in part sections and cover an upper face of the connection section.

The material blank according to the invention comprises a central connection section, which is provided with multiple container receiver openings, which are configured such as to receive the containers. The number and positioning of the container receiver openings at the connection section corresponds in this situation to the number and position of the containers which are to be allocated to the material blank and which have been assembled to form a container group. In one preferred embodiment, the connection section has at least four, in particular at least six, container receiver openings, wherein the container receiver openings are arranged for the purpose in two rows.

The first folding tab and second folding tab respectively adjoin the first and second edges of the connection section, wherein these are connected to the connection section in such a way that they can be pivoted in relation to a plane which is formed by the connection section. The folding tabs can therefore be pivoted or folded out of a position on the same plane as the connection section, into a position in which they overlap at least in some sections, and in this situation together cover the upper face of the connection section. In this bundle position, the two folding tabs are arranged in a second plane, running parallel or essentially parallel and at a distance interval from the connection section, and in the state when connected to one another provide the bundle with a high degree of stability. In addition, in the bundle position, the two folding tabs cover the connection section and the container receiving opening, such that the containers arranged in the container receiving openings are reliably protected against dirt contamination.

The material blank according to the invention can be produced particularly easily and inexpensively. In addition to this, it is possible for the material blank to be assigned to the container groups in known devices, and for the bundle position to be relocated. As a result, the material blank overall allows for a particularly inexpensive production of a stable bundle, which is therefore easy for the consumer to transport.

According to the invention, provision is made for the first and second folding tabs to adjoin opposing edges of the connection section. The selection of the opposing edges of the connection section for connecting to the first and second folding tab is, in this situation, in principle freely selectable. According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the connection section to exhibit a rectangular shape, with a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, and the first folding tab connects to the first longitudinal edge and the second folding tab connects to the second longitudinal edge. This embodiment of the material blank allows for the first and second folding tabs to be configured in such a way that, in the bundle position, they have a particularly large overlapping region, over which the first folding tab and the second folding tab can be connected to one another, for example by adhesive bonding. The large overlapping region ensures in this situation a particularly high stability of the material blank in the bundle position and increases the stability of the bundle in a supplementary manner.

According to the invention, provision is made for the first folding tab and the second folding tab are configured in such a way that, in the bundle position, they in common cover the upper face of the connection section. The configuration of the first and second folding tabs for this purpose can in principle be freely selected, provided that the first and second folding tabs over one another at least in some sections. In a preferred manner, the second folding tab is smaller than the first folding tab. For example, provision can be made for the second folding tab to comprise a surface area which corresponds at the most to 50%, and preferably at the most to 40%, of the surface of the first folding tab.

According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the first folding tab is configured in such a way that, in the bundle position, a free edge, opposite the first edge of the first folding tab, is arranged in the region of the second edge of the connection section. According to this embodiment of the invention, the first folding tab, in the bundle position, extends as far as the second edge of the connection section, and already essentially completely covers the upper face of the connection section. Advantageously, the first folding tab, in the bundle position, covers at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, and for particular preference at least 90%, of the upper face of the connection section. As a result of the configuration of the second folding tab, and its extension in the direction onto the first edge in the bundle position, the overlapping region of the first and second folding tabs is therefore determined which is available for the connection of the first and second folding tabs, wherein this can be freely chosen as a dependency of the stability of the material blank which is to be achieved in the bundle position. As a result, the second folding tab can also be configured in such a way that, in the bundle position, it is arranged with its free edge in the region of the first edge of the connection section.

According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the second folding tab to be configured in such a way that, in the bundle position, it only partially covers the upper face of the connection section. For example, the second folding tab can be dimensioned in such a way that in the bundle position it covers at the most 50%, preferably at the most 40%, and for particular preference at the most 35% of the upper face of the connection section. According to this embodiment of the invention, with an adequate degree of coverage, both a high stability of the material blank in the bundle position is achieved, as well as the possibility being provided of the material blank being produced in a manner which is inexpensive with regard to material. In this situation, by way of the degree of coverage of the first and second folding tabs, the region can be freely determined which is available for connecting the folding tabs in accordance with the requirements for strength.

Particularly advantageously, provision can be made that, in the bundle position, a free edge of the second folding tab, opposite the second edge, is arranged between a mid-line of the connection section, which runs parallel to the first and second edge and at an equal distance interval to them, and the second edge of the second folding tab. According to this embodiment, the second folding tab extends as far as into the middle region of the connection section, and therefore ensures an overlapping region, corresponding essentially to half the surface of the connection section, between the first and second folding tab. A corresponding configuration of the second folding tab ensures a particularly high stability of the bundle, while at the same time ensuring a low use of material for the material blank. By means of a suitable connection of the two folding tabs, for example by an adhesive bonding by means of a hot adhesive, it is possible, in a particularly reliable manner, for a stable bundle to be formed. This can be reliably taken hold by a consumer and transported.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for convenient handing by the consumer in that the connection section comprises two opposed free edges, which in each case adjoin the first and second edges of the connection section, and also comprises two carrying openings, wherein the carrying openings are each arranged at an equal distance interval from the first and second edge of the connection section, and one of the carrying openings is at a distance interval from one of the two free edges of the connection section which corresponds to the distance interval of the other carrying opening to the other free edge of the connection section. The carrying openings provided according to this further embodiment of the invention increases the carrying convenience for the consumer, wherein the consumer, by engaging a grip in the carrying openings, can obtain particularly good gripping, lifting, and transporting. Due to the symmetrical arrangement provided in accordance with this further embodiment of the two carrying openings on the connection section, in this situation a uniform weight distribution is achieved when lifting, which ensures carrying convenience in a particularly effective manner.

The configuration of the carrying openings can in principle be freely chosen, wherein these openings can be formed, for example, by simple holes. According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the first folding tab to comprise two locking elements, which in the bundle position can be moved out of a folding tab plane into a locking position, in which the locking elements are each in engagement with a carrying opening of the connection section.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the carrying openings arranged in the connection section are, for example, holes for gripping the bundle by means of one or more fingers of the consumer's hand, and in the bundle position are covered by the first folding tab, which, however, in the region of the carrying openings, i.e. in the bundle position above the connection section, comprises two locking elements, which can be moved out of the plane of the first folding tab into the carrying openings, and enter into engagement with the carrying openings in positive fit.

The locking elements therefore lock the first folding tab and the second folding tab connected to the first folding tab opposite the connection section, and thereby increase the stability of the bundle in a supplementary manner, in that they block a relative movement of the first folding tab in relation to the connection section. The locking elements can in this situation be brought by the consumer into engagement with the carrying openings before gripping the bundle.

Any preferred elements may be used as locking elements, such as, for example, hooks arranged in a plane of the first folding tab, which can be pivoted into an in-engagement position with the carrying openings. According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the locking elements to be formed from partially detachable sections of the first folding tab, comprising in particular punched separation edges. According to this embodiment of the invention, the first folding tab comprises sections which form locking elements, which in the bundle position are arranged above the carrying opening, and can be brought by hand by the consumer into engagement with the carrying openings. For this purpose the sections comprise, for example, punched separation edges, along which the sections of the first folding tab are partially separated, and which determine the movement direction of the locking elements out of the plane of the folding tab into the direction onto the connection section and the carrying openings. This embodiment of the invention allows for a particularly simple and inexpensive production of the material blank with locking elements. According to this embodiment of the invention, it is possible to do without separate locking elements and their arrangement at the first folding tab.

In a particularly advantageous manner, provision is made for the locking elements to be configured in a T-shape, and/or for the respective carrying opening of the connection section to comprise mutually opposing opening extensions for allowing the locking elements to pass through. With this configuration of the invention, the T-shaped end of the locking element can move into engagement with the carrying openings by way of the opening extension. As a result of this, a particularly stable positive-fit connection can be achieved in the engagement position of the locking elements with the carrying openings, as a result of which the stability of the bundle can be additionally increased. In addition to this, a corresponding connection section can be produced particularly simply and inexpensively, in particular when the locking elements are formed, in accordance with the advantageous further embodiment of the invention, by punched separation edges, which then follow a corresponding T-shaped course.

For the arrangement of the connection section on the containers, the section comprises several container receiving openings, which in the bundle position, in which the material blank is connected to the containers, are arranged coaxially to the containers. According to one particular advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the container receiving opening to comprise retaining tabs, projecting inwards, in particular in the form of teeth. The use of retaining tabs ensures, in the bundle position, a particularly reliable arrangement of the connection section on the containers. The possibility of the container openings sliding off the containers is prevented by the retaining tabs in a particularly effective way.

According to one preferred embodiment, the container receiving openings of the connection section are dimensioned in such a way that the material blank is suitable for application to beverage cans, for example to slim cans (can diameter 53 mm), to sleek cans (diameter 58 mm), or to standard cans (diameter 57 mm).

Advantageously, the folding tabs are configured in such a way that, in the bundle position, the perpendicular distance interval between the connection section and the first and/or second folding tab amounts to a maximum of 20 mm, preferably to a maximum of 15 mm, and for particular preference to a maximum of 10 mm.

The material blank can in principle be made of any desired material, for example from a composite material. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the material blank to be formed from a paper-based material, in particular from a cardboard material or corrugated board. The use of a paper-based material, in particular a cardboard material, has the advantage that the material blank can be particularly satisfactorily recycled or produced from recycled material. As well as this, a corresponding material blank can be produced particularly simply and inexpensively, and in this situation, with an adequate material thickness, can provide adequate stability for producing a stable bundle.

In principle, the possibility pertains of configuring the material blank as being of several parts, for example of connecting the folding tabs to the connection section. According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, the material blank is configured as being of one part, which then makes it possible for the material blank to be produced particularly simply and inexpensively.

It is further advantageous if the second folding tab is configured without locking elements and without carrying openings. This also favours the simple and inexpensive production of the material blank.

The invention further solves the object referred to heretofore by means of a bundle of several containers, in particular beverage cans, and a container carrier, wherein

-   -   the container carrier is formed from a material blank, which         comprises several container receiving openings arranged         coaxially to the containers, and     -   each of the container receiving openings engages behind a         projecting edge of a container in a positive-fit engagement,         wherein the container carrier is formed from a material blank         according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, wherein the two         folding tabs are located in the bundle position.

A bundle which is produced by the use of a material blank according to the invention as represented heretofore, or further developed, is characterised in that it exhibits a high stability and allows the consumer to grip and transport reliably the containers grouped together in the bundle by means of the material blank arranged above the bundle position and functioning as a container carrier. The positive-fit interaction of the container receiving openings with the projecting edges of the containers ensures in this situation a particularly reliable arrangement of the material blank on the containers.

Particularly advantageously, provision is made for the containers to be arranged in at least two rows, and for the carrying openings to be arranged at the connection section of the material blank in such a way that they are positioned centrally between the container rows. By this embodiment of the invention, it is made particularly easier for a consumer to transport the bundle, since the symmetrical arrangement of the carrying openings provides for a particularly uniform load distribution when gripping and transporting.

The connection of the first folding tab and the second folding tab in the overlapping region is produced according to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention in that they are adhesively bonded to one another. An adhesive connection ensures on the one hand a particularly high stability, and additionally allows for production in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner by means of known adhesive application units, with the result that, overall, the bundle can be produced particularly inexpensively.

The invention further solves the object referred to heretofore by the production of a bundle of several containers, in particular beverage cans, and a container carrier, with the steps:

-   -   assembling the containers to form a container group,     -   provision of a material blank comprising several container         receiving openings according to one or more of claims 1-13 at         the container group,     -   attaching the material blank to the containers by the coaxial         arrangement of the container receiving openings at the         containers,     -   pivoting the first and second folding tabs into the bundle         position of the material blank in order to form the container         carrier,     -   connecting the first and second folding tabs in their         overlapping region, in particular by adhesive bonding.

The method according to the invention can be carried out particularly simply and inexpensively, and therefore allows for the inexpensive production of a stable bundle.

Particularly advantageously, provision is made that the locking elements provided in accordance with a further embodiment at the material blanks to be brought into engagement at the first folding tab, after the attachment of the material tab to the containers, in each case by means of a carrier opening of the connection section, in particular by means of a tool plate of an application unit, comprising two impressing fingers.

According to this further embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for the method to be carried out by means of an application unit, by means of which the material blanks are arranged at the grouped bundles, wherein the container receiving openings are arranged in the connection section coaxially to the containers. After the folding procedure of the first and second folding tabs into the bundle position has been carried out by means of the application unit, a movement takes place of the locking elements, formed as one piece with the first folding tab, in the direction onto the carrying openings, such that the locking elements pass into engagement with the carrying openings. For the movement of the locking elements, use is made in a particularly advantageous manner of two impressing fingers on a tool plate of an application unit. By way of this embodiment of the method according to the invention, a particularly stable arrangement is already achieved during the production of the bundle, wherein the locking elements are in engagement with the carrying openings.

Particularly advantageously, provision is made for the attachment of the material blank to the containers by means of a driven application unit, comprising at least one pressing element with a tool plate, which is moved in a circulatory manner between an out-of-engagement position and an in-engagement position with the containers. By means of the pressing elements, an attachment of the connection section of the material blank to the bundles can be achieved. The circulatory movement of the tool plate in this situation ensures a continuous production process, wherein the tool plate passes in a circulatory manner out of an out-of-engagement position into an in-engagement-position with the containers, wherein, at the transition from the out-of-engagement position into the in-engagement-position, the material blanks are arranged at the containers.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained hereinafter with reference to the Figures. These show:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a container group with a material blank attached to it, the blank comprising two folding tabs and being in its initial position;

FIG. 2 a perspective view of the container group from FIG. 1 with the material blank in a partially folded-over position of the folding tabs;

FIG. 3 a perspective view of the container group from FIG. 1 , wherein the folding tabs of the material blank are in a bundle position;

FIG. 4 a view from above onto the material blank from FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 a perspective sectional view of the container group from FIG. 1 in interaction with tool plate comprising an engagement finger;

FIG. 6 a perspective sectional view of the container group from FIG. 3 ; and

FIG. 7 in a schematic representation, a perspective view of an application unite of a packing machine, arranged relative to several grouped containers.

Represented in FIG. 1 , in a perspective view, is a container group 3, assembled from six containers 2. In order to form a bundle from the containers 2 of the container group 3, the containers 2 are connected in the region of their upper faces to a material blank 1. In order to secure the material blank 1 to the containers 2, it comprises a connection section 4, with six container receiving openings 5, which are arranged in the upper region of the containers 2 coaxially to the containers 2.

In order to form a finished bundle, which can be gripped and transported by the consumer, the material blank 1 connected to the containers 2 is transformed to a container carrier 48 (see FIG. 3 ). For this purpose the material blank 1 comprises a first folding tab 6, which connects to a first longitudinal edge 7 of the connection section 4, as well as a second folding tab 8, which connects to a second longitudinal edge 9 of the connection section 4.

In order to form the bundle represented in FIG. 3 , the first folding tab 6 and the second folding tab 8 are pivoted towards one another along the first longitudinal edge 7 and the second longitudinal edge 9 respectively, and specifically into a position covering the upper face 10 of the connection section 4. In this situation, as represented in FIG. 2 , first the second folding tab 8 is pivoted along the second longitudinal edge 9, then the first folding tab 6 is pivoted along the first longitudinal edge 7 into the position represented in FIG. 3 , such that, in the bundle position of the material blank 1 represented in FIG. 3 , the first folding tab 6 covers the second folding tab 8. In order to secure the first folding tab 6 to the second folding tab 8, in this situation it is connected in the overlapping region by means of an adhesive, not represented here.

In order to increase the stability of the material blank 1 arranged in the bundle position, the first folding tab 6 comprises two locking elements 16, which have a T-shaped configuration and are connected by means of detachable separation edges in some sections with the remaining part of the first folding tab 6. In the bundle position, the locking elements 15 are moved out of their flat orientation, represented in FIGS. 1 and 4 , with the first folding tab 6 in the direction towards two carrying openings 14, and are then in positive fit engagement with them. In order for the carrying openings 14 to receive the T-shaped locking elements 15 at their free end, they each comprise two opening extensions 16 through which the locking elements 15 engage with their T-shaped sections. In this situation, the carrying openings 14 are in a middle region of the connection section 4 at an equal distance interval from the mutually opposing free edges 13 of the connection section 4, such that, when gripped and lifted by the consumer, making use of the carrying openings 14, a uniform load distribution is ensured.

The arrangement and transformation of the material blank 1 out of the initial position represented in FIG. 1 into the bundle position represented in FIG. 3 is carried out with known devices of a packaging machine. In order to move the locking elements 15 into an in-engagement position with the carrying openings 14, the packaging machine preferably comprises an application unit with at least one tool plate 17, arranged on which is a carrier 19 provided with two impressing fingers 8 (see FIG. 5 ).

An advantageous method for producing a bundle from several containers 2 is described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 7 .

FIG. 7 shows an application unit 21 for attaching a material blank 1 to the containers 2, which comprises four pressing elements 27. To drive the pressing elements 27, the application unit 21 comprises a drive unit 26, with a first drive disk 31 and a second drive disk 32. The drive disks 31, 32 are arranged transversely to the transport direction 47 of the containers 2, parallel and at a distance interval from one another. The first drive disk 31 rotates about its first rotation axis 29, and the second drive disk 32 rotates about its second rotation axis 30, wherein, seen in the transport direction, the first rotation axis 29 and the second rotation axis 30 are arranged behind one another and at a distance interval from one another, wherein the height of the first and second rotation axes 29, 30, i.e. their distance interval from a first transport plane of the containers 2, is equal.

The drive unit 26 comprising the two drive disks 31, 32 serves to move the pressing elements 27, provided with tool plates 17, which are arranged in the region between the first drive disk 31 and the second drive disk 32. The pressing elements 27 are in this situation connected by means of a first jointed axle 33 to the first drive disk 31, and by means of a second jointed axle 45 to the second drive disk 32. In this situation, in order to arrange the pressing elements 27 on the first and second drive disks 31,32, use is made of jointed bolts 44, mounted with rotational joints on the pressing elements 27, which are arranged with their ends opposite the free ends over square elements 46 arranged in receiving openings 46 at the first and second drive disks 31,32.

The arrangement of the pressing elements 27 at the first and second drive disks 31, 32, is configured in this situation such that the first jointed axle 33 and second jointed axle 45 of each pressing element 27 in common always exhibit the same distance interval from the transport plane, such that the pressing elements 27 and the tool plates 17 arranged at the pressing elements 27 are always arranged horizontal during the rotation of the drive disks 31, 32, i.e. parallel to the transport plane and parallel to the containers 2 assigned to a container group 3.

The pressing elements 27 are in this situation arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference at the first drive disk 31 and second drive disk 32, wherein the first drive disk 31 and the second drive disk 32 each have a first receiving opening group 40 and a second receiving opening group 41. Each of these receiving groups 40, 41, comprises three receiving openings 34 distributed over the circumference and arranged equidistant from one another. Two further receiving openings 34 are in each case arranged in the middle between the first receiving opening group 40 and the second receiving opening group 41, on the circular path on which the receiving openings 34 of the first and second receiving opening group 40, 41 are arranged opposite one another at the drive disks 31.

By means of a motor drive of the application unit 21, not represented, the first and second drive disks 31, 32 are set in rotation about their first and second rotation axes 29, 30, as a result of which the pressing elements 27, with their tool plates 17, circulate about the first and second rotation axes 29, 30. In this situation the tool plates 17 come into engagement with the containers 2 assembled into container groups 3, and in this situation move the material blanks 1 arranged on the containers 3 in the direction on the containers 2.

In interaction with the tool plates 17, when the container groups 3 are guided at the application unit 21 along the transport direction 47, the material blanks 1 are pressed onto the container groups 3, and moved in such a way that the container receiving openings 5 are arranged coaxially to the containers 2.

In the transport direction 47, the application unit 21 from FIG. 7 is followed by a folding and gluing device, not represented, by means of which a transformation of the material blanks 1 is carried out, wherein the first and second folding tabs 6, 8 are moved into the bundle position and adhesively bonded to one another. The folding and gluing device is followed in turn in the transport direction 47 preferably by a further application unit, not represented, which serves to move the locking elements 15 into an in-engagement position with the carrying openings 14. This further application unit can, for example, be essentially of the same structural design as the application unit 21 from FIG. 7 , but comprises at its tool plates 17 a carrier 19, provided with impressing fingers 18, as shown in FIG. 5 . During the interaction with the respective tool plate 17, the impressing fingers 18 move the locking elements 15 into the in-engagement position with the carrying openings 14.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

-   -   1 Material blank     -   2 Container     -   3 Container group     -   4 Connection section     -   5 Container receiving opening     -   6 First folding tab     -   7 First edge/first longitudinal edge     -   8 Second folding tab     -   9 Second edge/second longitudinal edge     -   10 Upper face (of the connection section)     -   11 Free edge (of the first folding tab)     -   12 Free edge (of the second folding tab)     -   13 Free edges (of the connection section)     -   14 Carrying opening     -   15 Locking element     -   16 Opening extension     -   17 Tool plate     -   18 Impressing finger     -   19 Carrier     -   21 Application unit     -   26 Drive unit     -   27 Pressing element     -   29 First rotation axis     -   30 Second rotation axis     -   31 First drive disk     -   32 Second drive disk     -   33 First jointed axle     -   34 Receiving opening     -   40 First receiving opening group     -   41 Second receiving opening group     -   44 Jointed bolt     -   45 Second jointed axle     -   46 Square element     -   47 Transport direction     -   48 Container carrier 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A material blank for attachment to a container group formed of a plurality of containers, the material blank comprising: a connection section formed with a plurality of container receiving openings to be arranged at the containers of the container group, said connection section having a first edge, a second edge opposite said first edge, and an upper face; a first folding tab connected to said first edge of said connection section; and a second folding tab connected to said second edge of said connection section opposite said first edge; said first folding tab and said second folding tab being configured for pivoting relative to said connection section into a bundle position, in which said first and second folding tabs overlap one another, at least in part, and cover said upper face of said connection section.
 21. The material blank according to claim 20, wherein said connection section has a rectangular shape with a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite said first longitudinal edge, and wherein said first folding tab is connected to said first longitudinal edge and said second folding tab is connected to said second longitudinal edge.
 22. The material blank according to claim 20, wherein said first folding tab is formed so that, in the bundle position, a free edge of said first folding tab, opposite said first edge, is arranged in a region of said second edge of said connection section.
 23. The material blank according to claim 20, wherein said second folding tab is configured, in the bundle position, to only partially cover said upper face of said connection section.
 24. The material blank according to claim 23, wherein, in the bundle position, a free edge of said second folding tab, opposite said second edge, is arranged in a region between a mid-line of said connection section which runs parallel to and equidistant from said first and second edges of said connection section, and said second edge of said second folding tab.
 25. The material blank according to claim 20, wherein: said connection section is formed with two mutually opposite free edges, each of which delimit said first and second edges of said connection section, and with two carrying openings; each of said carrying openings being arranged equidistant from said first and second edges of said connection section; and one of said carrying openings is formed at a distance interval from one of said two free edges of said connection section that is equal to a distance interval of the other said carrying opening to the other said free edge of said connection section.
 26. The material blank according to claim 25, wherein said first folding tab comprises two locking elements, which, in the bundle position, can be moved out of a folding plane into a locking position, in which each of said locking elements is in engagement with a respective said carrying opening of said connection section.
 27. The material blank according to claim 26, wherein said locking elements are formed from partially separable sections of said first folding tab.
 28. The material blank according to claim 26, wherein said locking elements are configured in a T-shape, and/or the respective said carrying opening of said connection section is formed with mutually opposing opening extensions for allowing said locking elements to pass through.
 29. The material blank according to claim 25, wherein said container receiving openings comprise retaining tabs that project inwards.
 30. The material blank according to claim 20, wherein said connection section and said first and second tabs are formed from a paper-based material.
 31. The material blank according to claim 20, wherein the material blank is a one-piece material blank.
 32. The material blank according to claim 20, wherein said second folding tab is configured without locking elements and without carrying openings.
 33. A container bundle, comprising: a plurality of containers and a container carrier; said container carrier being formed of the material blank according to claim 20; said container receiving openings of said material blank being arranged coaxially with said containers and each of said container receiving openings engaging behind a projecting edge of a respective said container in a positive fit; and said first and second folding tabs of said material blank being in the bundle position.
 34. The bundle according to claim 33, wherein said containers are arranged in at least two container rows, and said carrying openings are formed in said connection section of said material blank at a position centrally between the container rows.
 35. The bundle according to claim 33, wherein said first and second folding tabs are adhesively bonded to one another in an overlapping region, in which said folding tabs overlap one another.
 36. A method for producing a bundle with a plurality of containers and a container carrier, the method comprising: assembling the plurality of containers to form a container group; providing a material blank according to claim 20 with several container receiving openings at the container group; attaching the material blank to the containers by coaxially arranging the container receiving openings at the containers; pivoting the first and second folding tabs of the material blank into the bundle position in order to form a container carrier; and connecting the first and second folding tabs to one another in an overlapping region thereof.
 37. The method according to claim 36, which comprises, after attaching the material blank to the containers, bringing two locking elements of the first folding tab into engagement with a respective carrying opening of the connection section.
 38. The method according to claim 37, which comprises bringing the two locking elements into engagement with the carrying openings by a tool plate of an application unit, which comprises two impressing fingers.
 39. The method according to claim 36, wherein the attaching step comprises attaching the material blank to the containers by a driven application unit, which comprises at least one pressing element with a tool plate, and which is moved circulating between an out-of-engagement position and an in-engagement position with the containers. 